M&S, Pets at Home and Wickes to close on Boxing Day

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Marks & Spencer, Pets at Home and Wickes have decided to close their doors on Boxing Day as a thank you to their colleagues after a tough year.

The retailers have said their staff deserve the time off to spend with their families after going above and beyond for customers amid the global pandemic.

M&S, Pets at Home and Wickes are joining the likes of John Lewis, which has a long tradition of closing on December 26 and starting its Sale online-only until the following day.

Last year, Homebase, Aldi and Home Bargains also joined the list of retailers closed on Boxing Day.

Next, whose Boxing Day Sale is traditionally one of the most popular, has confirmed it will be open for business as it is comfortable it can operate safely as it already has experience handling an in-store Sale amid the pandemic.

Bensons for Beds has also said it will be open.

Deep dive: A Covid Christmas – how consumers will spend, shop and celebrate

This year, government restrictions prohibit going shopping over the Christmas period from December 23 until December 27 if people are forming a bubble with other households, which is likely to hit footfall for the shopping event.

M&S chief executive Steve Rowe said: “Throughout the pandemic, our colleagues have gone above and beyond to deliver for our customers and as we enter the busy festive season they are doubling down on their efforts once again to help our customers deliver the Christmas magic for their families and friends.

“2020 has been a uniquely challenging year for everyone and this Christmas, the celebrations we have will be more precious than ever. That’s why in the run-up to Christmas we are opening longer hours and have accelerated the launch of new digital services such as Sparks Book & Shop to help our customers prepare, but it’s also why we have taken the decision to close our operations on Boxing Day so that our colleagues can enjoy more special time with their loved ones.

“This is a big decision but it is absolutely the right one given the incredible effort everyone has made in the most challenging of circumstances.”

Pets at Home boss Peter Pritchard said: “As a small but tangible sign of our appreciation, I have decided to close all of our stores on Boxing Day this year to give our colleagues much-needed time with their families and loved ones.”